The missing pieces of the puzzle

Regarding my health and well being lately, times have been tough. I reached my breaking point last night. Tuesday, I left with 2 coworkers to stay in Lafayette for a couple of days while we trained our sister clinic on our computer system that they will now use. I was materialistically prepared for this, but went in physically and mentally worn down; mostly because of the 2nd job adding to the craziness of this time of the year for me with evals. (BTW, if I didn't mention, I'm doing a little side work with the Census to help pay for our Disney trip and a few extras!) So, anyway...between the stress and the greasy food (feeding a group of 10-12 people, we needed to go cheap), I ended up sick before we left the clinic last night. I was throwing up and my stomach was in awful knots. After getting home and getting some rest today, I decided that I really needed to evaluate what key pieces are missing right now; not just the nutrition and exercise part.

#1 - Sleep. I hardly ever get 8 hours. I almost wish that I had a schedule with night shifts just so I could sleep in on nights that I stay up a little too late. I realize after about 2.5 seconds how dumb that would be for me considering the other convenient and wonderful aspects that a 9-5 schedule brings to my life. So, #1 - GET MORE SLEEP!

#2 - Water. Lots and lots of water. Like I said, I have a busy schedule right now (although, I know people who deal with worse - and you have a special place in Heaven!). Caffiene has been there for me more than water has. So, #2 - 80 ounces a day!

#3 - Vitamins. A daily multivitamin is so important. It's pretty much impossible for the average person to get the all of the proper nutrients that our body needs on food alone every day. Save yourself some headache, and get a good multivitamin. Today, I picked up GNC's Womens Ultra Mega Active Vitapack. It's specific to what I need, and it's in a convenient pack. I don't have to worry about remembering to go to all the vitamin bottles on my bathroom counter and pick out what I need anymore. Now, I just grab the packet with everything already there in the morning; and I can take it along with me if I need to. So much more convenient.

#4 - Meditation. Everyone should take some time out of their day to just relax. I plan to take at least 15 minutes everyday to just put on my headphones with some Enya or the like, close my eyes, and zone out. I need this more than ever right now, and definitely over the next couple of months.

#5 - Plan better meals. I never completely finished reading all of Master Your Metabolism, but I jumped around enough to get the gist of the ideas. What I was missing were recipes to help me figure out all of her advice. The last thing I have time for is to research all of her suggested foods and find specific recipes. Well, low and behold, Jillian has now come out with the MYM Cookbook (HALLELUJAH!). I picked that puppy up the other night, and have started flipping through to highlight what looks tasty for me (and Michael). Grocery shopping list has been started!

#6 - Proper recovery nutrition. Lately, when I have made it to the gym, my post-workout nutrition has been lacking. This has been because in the past I have been able to eat dinner within an hour of leaving the gym; so I started giving up the protein shake to cut unnecessary extra calories. Now, it has been more of a struggle to do that with everything going on. So, I also picked up some new protein powder today. It's a much higher quality than what I have purchased in the past, so I am excited to have something more specific to me.

Obviously, my workouts fit into the equation since they have been "missing" lately; even though I do not have them listed. Because of the upcoming 2nd Rocketchix Tri, I am going to be focusing on mostly cardio for the next couple of months. And, as I mentioned before, getting my Spin instructor certification is part of that. I feel much better having sat down and put a lot of thought into what I am missing in my overall well being. For me, as it should be for everyone, being healthy is not just about diet and excerise. It is a complete lifestyle.